Book Image

Linux Utilities Cookbook

By : James Kent Lewis
Book Image

Linux Utilities Cookbook

By: James Kent Lewis

Overview of this book

<p>Linux is a stable, reliable and extremely powerful operating system. It has been around for many years, however, most people still don't know what it can do and the ways it is superior to other operating systems. Many people want to get started with Linux for greater control and security, but getting started can be time consuming and complicated. <br /><br />A practical, hands-on guide that provides you with a number of clear step-by-step examples to help you solve many of the questions that crop up when using an operating system you may not be familiar with.</p> <p>Presenting solutions to the most common Linux problems in a clear and concise way, this helpful guide starts with spicing up the terminal sessions by command retrieval and line editing, and shell prompt variables. We will then get to know the different desktops (GUIs) available for Linux systems and which is the best fit for you. We will then explore the world of managing files and directories, connectivity, and what to do when it goes wrong. We will also learn a range of skills, from creating and managing user accounts to securing your system, managing and limiting processes, and letting information flow from one process to another using pipes. Later, we will master disk management, working with scripts and automating tasks quickly, and finally, understand the need for a custom kernel and tips on how to build one.</p> <p><br />Based on the author's extensive experience, there is a section on best practices that every Linux user should be familiar with.</p>
Table of Contents (19 chapters)
Linux Utilities Cookbook
Credits
About the Author
About the Reviewers
www.PacktPub.com
Preface
Index

Unity


Unity is a shell interface for the GNOME environment used primarily on Ubuntu systems. It was designed to work well on small screens, for example, it employs a vertical application switcher. Unlike the other desktops/managers, it is not itself a collection of executables but uses existing applications.

Getting ready

If you have a machine running the Unity desktop, you can follow along with this section.

The following is a screenshot of Unity running on Ubuntu 12.04:

On the desktop is a GNOME terminal session and the Home folder. Starting with the vertical panel on the left is the Dash Home icon. It allows the user to find things quickly. Under that is the Home folder (already opened) and then the Firefox web browser. The next three are Libre Office Writer, Calculator, and Impress. Next is the Ubuntu Software Center, which is used to search for and purchase applications. The next icons are for Ubuntu One, a Terminal, System Settings, the Workspace Switcher, and the Trash folder.

To complete...